Examines the material culture and visual expressions of Mediterranean and European societies from early times until ca. 1300 CE, emphasizing the political, social, and religious context of the works studied, the relationships of the works to the societies that created them, and the interrelationship of these societies.

Examines representative European and American works of art from the later Middle Ages to the present, highlighting the dynamic exchange between artistic and cultural traditions both within periods and across time.

Iconographic interpretation of visual narratives, signs and symbols has long been a topic of art-historical inquiry. In early modern European art, images were often conceived with the deliberate intent of posing a 'puzzle' or 'problem' for the beholder to solve; yet in most cases we have little or no evidence of how contemporary beholders solved such enigmas. Provides students with the opportunity to take command of these research methods and source materials, addressing a genuine iconographic problem, researching the relevant literature, identifying the essential primary source evidence, making contextually appropriate assumptions, and producing a valid result.

Can art effect social change? How may we use the history of radical and avant-garde art to inform present-day movements and models of artistic and creative activism? This course explores the modern and contemporary history of political art and arts activism on local, national, and global scales.

Explores the origins and creation of Japan from ancient to contemporary times through East Asian and European exchange. Acquaints students with painting, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, gardens, and other art forms in relation to the various cultural contexts within which they were produced and used.

Also offered as AAST298B, HIST219E, PERS298E, and RELS219E. Credit only granted for HIST219E, AAST298B, ARTH389L, PERS298E, or RELS219E.

This is a Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare course. This course is taught by renownedUniversity of Michigan instructor, Christiane Gruber, an expert in the field of Islamic Art, and digitally shared with the UMD students. In this course, Prof. Gruber explores definitions of "Islamic" art and investigates various visual cultures of Islam around the world from the 7th to the 20th century. The course meets twice a week in real time using video conferencing technology. UMD students are able to enroll directly at UMD for course credit.

Also offered as FILM359G The goal of this introductory course is, through intensive viewings, readings, and discussions of representative examples of world science fiction film (from Asia, Europe, and the Americas) to examine and understand the critical relevance of science and technology to human conditions.

Also offered as FILM429C and WMST498J. Through a transnational study of major filmmakers from mainland China to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Chinese diapora, the course is intended to consider issues of female cinematic authorship, gender and sexuality in cinematic representation, power and knowledge, negotiations of local and global cultural politics.

In the seventeenth century, the Dutch Maritime Empire stretched across the globe, not only with its mighty warships but also with its massive fleet of cargo ships from the East India and West India Companies.

This course explores the earliest traditions of wall painting in ancient Greece, focusing on the period from 1600-1100 BC. Discussions will investigate murals in their archaeological contexts and address issues including iconographic choice and transmission, tools and technology, and modern reconstructions.